Second Saturday Art Walk - November 2019

Saturday, November 9

During the Second Saturday Artwalk each month in Old Town Bay St. Louis, you'll find cool deals, fresh meals and lots of art and live music!

Be sure to check out "Hot Spots"  Bodega (111 Court Street) and Social Chair (201 Main Street). Read more about these featured businesses below! 
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- stories and photos by Anne Pitre

Over the past twenty-six years, the monthly art walk has become one of the most popular events in the region. Old Town stays lively all day, with many merchants and restaurants offering specials. 

​The pace picks up from 4 pm to 8 pm, when gallery openings and live music keep the streets humming with activity. ​

This Second Saturday Artwalk column
is sponsored by

Bay St. Louis Creative Arts Center

Each month, two businesses are spotlighted and designated "Hot Spots."  Read about the November Hot Spots below! 

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​Bodega
111 Court Street
Bay St. Louis
(228) 363-1290
Website
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Bodega in Old Town Bay St. Louis is a dream come true for residents and visitors alike. Conveniently located only a stone’s throw from the Beach on Main and Court Streets, you’ll find everything you need under one roof.
 
A November Hot Spot on Second Saturday, Bodega is a unique and inviting oasis to start your Old Town adventure. “When I first bought the building, I honestly had no idea how the many facets of the business would grow and unfold,” said owner and developer, Kevin Jordan. “The one thing I did know is I wanted to create a place that would be like no other on the Coast.”
 
And, his customers agree, he did just that.
 
“It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind,” said a Bodega regular, Gloria Bernard of Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty.
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 Today, Bodega is home to Bodega Adventures, Bodega Spirits and Liquor, Parrot Head Bar and Grill and Loft Yoga. First a bank, then offices to the City and the Hancock Chamber, the stately, historic building at 111 Court Street is conveniently located across from the City’s Public Garage offering free parking.
 
As you enter Bodega, you almost expect to see Jimmy Buffet himself sitting at the bar as the sounds of bohemian music draws you in. Once inside, you’ll feel right at home as you’re greeted by a friendly staff who step up to serve you a cool beverage of your choice at the Parrot Head Bar and Restaurant.

Chef Rickey Peters, a veteran restaurateur, is a star attraction at Bodega with tantalizing daily specials and specialty sandwiches, tapas offerings, sliders and a few sweet thangs.

Locals have their favorites like the French dip, or homemade shrimp remoulade and chicken salad. But, no matter what you fancy, you’ll find authentic New Orleans style cuisine for lunch and dinner right here at Bodega.

 
A new addition to Bodega is Bodega Spirits and Liquor. Tucked away under the palm trees on Court Street, it is a welcomed surprise, giving restaurants, visitors and locals a quick way to grab their favorite wine and spirits. And if they don’t have what you want, just ask the manager Larry Main and he’ll gladly make a special order just for you.
 
The Loft on the second floor at Bodega is a welcomed retreat for yoga classes and private meetings and parties. The balcony overlooks Main Street with views of the Bay, offering guests a private setting in the heart of Old Town.

Whether you are an experienced yogi or attending your first class, the inclusive Loft community offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with some of the top licensed instructors on the Coast providing guidance on strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, breathing, and awareness throughout your yoga journey for all levels. Single drop in classes start at $15 with advance reservations.

 When planning your vacation to the area, look no further than the staff at Bodega. They can direct you to a sister business: GulfView Properties. Owned and managed by Jordan, they offer 11 premier vacation rentals in three locations: Bay Saint Louis, New Orleans and Covington, Louisiana.

And, once you’ve made it to the Bay, the staff will give you local tips on where to go and help you get there by renting you whatever you need to cruise in style from golf carts and bicycles to kayaks or paddle boards.

“Simply put, Bodega has one goal in mind: to relax your mind, body, and spirit,” said Jordan. “We would be honored if you stayed with us.” 
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Just call (228) 363-1290 to get your adventure started. For more information go to www.bodegabsl.com for email us at hello@bodegabsl.com. For vacation rentals go to www.gulfviewproperties.net or call (228) 344-3004.

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Social Chair
201 Main Street
Bay St. Louis
(228) 466-5853
​Website

If you’re looking to make a splash and find the ultimate conversation item for your home or your wardrobe, Social Chair is the perfect place to find it. From the festive and sparkly to the ultimate in Southern elegance, their inventory runs the gamut of all that is fabulous.
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Need some bling? Social Chair has got you covered - see story below!

To a first-time shopper, the energy is tangible. You will walk into this store and gasp, laugh, covet, and be in awe of its creativity and inspiration. Each piece in the store is expertly curated by owner, Yuki Northington.

Founded in 2006, Northington aimed for Social Chair to fill the need for people to find unique and elevated decor as they rebuilt or restored their homes. The store mostly carried home furnishings and antiques in its early days. Some furnishings can still be found there, but the focus of the store is now mostly on accents and accessories – both for the home and for the wardrobe.

“With Amazon on the rise, we set ourselves apart by offering real customer service,” said Northington. “We know our customers and can offer recommendations. We always offer complimentary gift wrap and exclusive items that they just can’t buy anywhere else!”
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One thing is for sure – Social Chair is the headquarters for women with exceptional style who love a little pop of sparkle... or a BIG pop of sparkle. Their jewelry lines have something for everyone at all price points and include the ever-popular and locally made Helen Marie line for important gift giving. For those who may be prepping now for Mardi Gras, they also carry gorgeous tiaras and crowns.

Social Chair is also a must-see for Christmas and holiday decor! They pride themselves on their holiday style and have earned a reputation for being the place to go if you’re looking for something with that wow factor. They have had their trees up since Cruisin’ the Coast – so they are ready for you to come find something special for yours.

Perhaps the best part of shopping at Social Chair are the original items created by Yuki herself. She creates beautiful gifts and souvenirs featuring her original artwork depicting Bay St. Louis and its landmarks, among other items.

Yuki is indeed a woman of many talents and leadership. Her hard work and steadfast dedication to the community have earned her the title of Mississippi Magazine’s favorite shop twice over, multiple mentions in Southern Living Magazine and appearances on HGTV’s Design Star series.

​She has also been recognized as an Outstanding Citizen by the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, and is the current president of the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club. It’s clear that her creativity, energy and passion for what she undertakes is embodied in her business and is what makes Social Chair an experience as well as a place to shop.

“I love Bay St. Louis and try to help make this a place that others want to visit and return to again and again,” she said. “I am blessed with the best employees in town, and our customers are extremely loyal to our local shops.”

Come experience it for yourself on Second Saturday, Nov. 9. They will be serving refreshments, giving away door prizes and offering Hot Spot discounts on select lines.

​As if these weren’t enough reasons to stop by, the St. Stanislaus Marching Regiment will be playing from 4-6 pm. You can also shop there any day of the week! Their hours are 10 am-5 pm Monday–Saturday, and 11 am-4 pm on Sunday. 
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